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Karpin keeps Sociedad guessing

By Francisco Acedo

Real Sociedad star Valery Karpin has made a decision on his future, but insists he will not reveal it until after the final game of the season.

The Russian international has hinted that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season, but it now seems he could opt to play on.

After a sticky start to the campaign Sociedad have achieved survival in the top-flight, and it has been suggested the 35-year-old will play on for one more term to try and help the Basque outfit to a trophy success.

"The season still hasn't finished," Karpin stated. "I will tell you next week, but yes, I have decided.

"I will either leave it (football) or continue at Real.

"I have spoken to my family and I don't want to think about going to another country."

Karpin revealed he had taken many factors into account before making his decision.

"I wanted to know several thingsÇª Whether he (Denoueix) was still going to be coach, what the players thought.

"Remember, a few days ago we did not know if we were going to be in the Primera or Segunda."